Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau Deepen Military Ties to Boost West African Security, Democratic Stability

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed the country's commitment to strengthening regional security and democratic governance in West Africa as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, held high level bilateral talks with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Major General Tomas Djass, during activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) in Port Harcourt.

The meeting, held on Sunday, focused on expanding military cooperation between both countries to address evolving security threats confronting the West African sub-region, while reinforcing democratic stability through closer defence collaboration.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that sustained cooperation among West African armed forces remains critical to combating transnational crimes, terrorism and other emerging security challenges that transcend national borders.

He noted that Nigeria, through the Nigerian Army, has continued to play a leading role in the region's security architecture, leveraging its extensive experience in counter-terrorism operations, multinational military engagements and peace support missions to foster collective security across West Africa.

The Army Chief also highlighted the military's contribution to democratic governance, stating that the Nigerian Army remains committed to supporting constitutional order through stability operations, civil-military cooperation and strict adherence to its constitutional responsibilities.

According to him, stronger bilateral and multilateral military partnerships are essential to enhancing institutional capacity, improving operational effectiveness and ensuring lasting peace and security across the region.

On his part, the Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Major General Tomas Djass, lauded the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and leadership in promoting regional peace and security.

He expressed his country's readiness to strengthen military relations with Nigeria through expanded knowledge sharing, joint military initiatives and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving the operational capabilities of both armed forces.

The bilateral engagement is expected to further consolidate strategic military cooperation between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau, while reinforcing collaborative efforts to tackle common security threats, promote regional stability and strengthen democratic institutions across West Africa.

The meeting formed one of the major international engagements during NADCEL 2026, reflecting Nigeria's continued commitment to fostering stronger defence partnerships and advancing peace and security within the West African sub-region.